The success of a modern crop depends on how we manage every drop of water. Looking at the sky or opening the tap without measuring the consequences is no longer enough. Choosing correctly among the different agricultural irrigation systems is the first step. However, to be profitable we need to transform that irrigation into a precise tool that feeds the plant exactly when it needs it.
There are several ways to provide water to crops. The choice usually depends on the type of plant, soil characteristics, and the amount of water available. Here we review the most used methods.
It is the most traditional and well-known method. Water advances through the terrain thanks to gravity, covering the surface or circulating through furrows. Although its installation is economical, a lot of water is lost through evaporation, and it is difficult to control the exact amount each plant receives.
This system tries to imitate the effect of rain. Water is distributed under pressure and falls in the form of small drops on the crop. It works well on irregular terrain and helps protect against frost, but requires higher energy expenditure for pumping.
It consists of bringing water directly to the root zone through pipes and emitters. It is the most efficient option because it minimizes losses. By applying water drop by drop, it allows total control and is ideal for adding nutrients at the same time.
Modern irrigation must hydrate and feed at the same time. Fertigation takes advantage of the pipes to carry dissolved nutrients directly to the root. It is the most effective way to nourish a crop, but it requires great precision to not fail in the doses. At INTA, we design equipment that calculates this mixture to the millimeter, ensuring that the crop receives exactly what it asks for without wasting fertilizer.
A good piping system needs a brain to direct it. Automating agricultural irrigation systems eliminates human errors and frees up manual labor. Thus, the plant receives water according to its real needs and does not depend on our schedules.
These units are the command center. They are responsible for opening and closing valves automatically. The most advanced models manage both the irrigation and the climate of the greenhouse at the same time. This allows coordinating humidity and temperature for perfect growth.
Current technology allows controlling the farm from anywhere. With a mobile phone or a computer, we can see what is happening in real time. Tools like SysInta make it easy to change the programming instantly without having to go to the irrigation head.
Installing cables in large farms is usually expensive and complicated. Radio systems avoid this problem. The valves communicate with the central controller without the need for trenches or cables. It is a clean and quick solution to install.
To irrigate well, having a good schedule is not enough. You have to know what is happening underground. Installing sensors allows making decisions based on real data and not on intuition. This is vital to not waste water or fertilizer and ensure crop health.
Choosing the right system makes the difference in final profitability. Although traditional methods require less initial investment, in the long run, they become expensive due to the cost of water and labor. The following table shows why technification is the best bet for the professional farmer.
| Irrigation System | Water Efficiency | Nutrient Control | Automation and Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface irrigation | Low (50-60%) | Very difficult and imprecise | None or manual |
| Sprinkler irrigation | Medium (70-80%) | Limited | Possible with basic programmers |
| Technified Drip (INTA) | High (90-95%) | Precise (Fertigation) | Total (Sensors and Remote Management) |
Technifying the farm is not an expense, it is an investment that pays off quickly. By installing control equipment like INTA’s, the farmer takes real command of their production. The results are noticeable from the first campaign.
Precision prevents waste. Our systems apply the exact dose the plant needs. This drastically reduces the consumption of water and, above all, fertilizers, which are usually the most expensive input of the operation.
A plant that does not suffer water stress works better. By maintaining stable humidity and nutrition, the crop grows strongly and without stops. This translates into more kilos per hectare and fruits of better caliber and flavor.
Laws are increasingly strict with the use of water and nitrates. Having a controlled system with data recording makes it easier to comply with current regulations. This avoids penalties and protects the environment for the future.
There is no single answer, as it depends on the crop and the terrain. However, automated drip agricultural irrigation systems are almost always the most efficient. They allow saving a lot of water and nourishing the plant at the same time.
The initial investment may seem high, but it is recovered quickly. The savings in water, fertilizer, and labor amortize the equipment in a few campaigns. In the long run, it works out much cheaper than continuing to irrigate manually.
Not at all, current programs are very visual. At INTA, we design simple interfaces so that anyone can handle them without being a computer expert. Plus, you can control everything from your own mobile phone.
Yes, our control equipment adapts to old installations. There is no need to change the entire irrigation network. Normally, it is enough to install the programmer and sensors on the existing head to modernize the farm.
Controllers are prepared for these situations. They usually have internal batteries so as not to lose programming. If the internet fails, the equipment continues to irrigate as planned, although you cannot see the data on your mobile until the connection returns.
Yes, control technology works for everything. It works just as well in high-tech greenhouses as in open-field fruit crops. The key is to adjust the sensors and times to what each specific plant needs.
